Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart launches later this week, and while many fans are excited to see which characters are returning, one surprise they should not be expecting is Captain Qwark. Unfortunately, the character will likely miss Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart due to a tragic pairing of illnesses suffered by voice actor Jim Ward.
Outside of his portrayal of Captain Qwark in the Ratchet and Clank series, Ward has appeared in Red Dead Redemption, Metal Gear Solid, and Fallout. While many fans love the actor’s work, especially as Qwark, he will be unable to play the character for the time being. This is because of a brutal combination of Alzheimer's and COVID-19, with the latter nearly taking Ward’s life on several occasions. Via a post on his Facebook account from his wife Janice, it was revealed just how much this has set him back.
According to Janice Ward, Jim got the “worst case of COVID imaginable” two weeks into his treatment for Alzheimer's. While he survived several close calls, he was essentially paralyzed for four months. As a result, he needed to learn to eat and walk again, and while he is fortunately doing better now, he is still being treated. His Alzheimer's has also gotten worse, with memory issues seeing the Ratchet and Clank actor forgetting long bouts of time. While he can still play instruments, sing, and do voices, he and his wife are understandably devastated by the disease.
Unsurprisingly, Jim Ward’s severe health issues have seen him stepping away from voice acting. A devastating forced retirement, fans have been wishing him and his wife the best when it comes to his treatment. With Ward forced to retire, his version of Captain Qwark will not be seen in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart’s story, nor will he appear in future entries. As for the Captain Qwark character in general, Insomniac Games is in a tough spot when it comes to a potential recasting.
With the character not yet seen in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart’s trailers, it seems unlikely that he will appear in any significant way. While this may be for the best, as retiring the character can honor Ward’s time in the role, it will be hard not to miss Qwark’s humor. With former ally Skidd McMarx making a comeback, and nemesis Doctor Nefarious serving as a main villain, Qwark could have been a perfect fit in the sequel. Unfortunately, fans should not be expecting him to have a large role.
While the answer is sad, Ratchet and Clank fans now know why Qwark has been absent from the game’s promotional material. If any gamers want to wish Ward and his wife well or help with the high cost of his medical care, heading to the actor’s Facebook page would be a good place to start.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart launches June 11 on PS5.
Source: Facebook/Jim Ward
